Sound track changeover device for automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges

ABSTRACT

A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges wherein a plurality of pushbutton rods are provided, corresponding to each of the cartridges and are adapted to index not only the cartridges in the play position but also the sound track when said pushbutton rod is depressed while movement of a housing is arrested at the same time the sound track is indexed when the depressed pushbutton rod is engaged with the stop member to depress an operating rod for a switch and the like which is provided to correspond to each sound track.

United States Patent [54] SOUND TRACK CHANGEOVER DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC PLAYING APPARATUS HAVING A PLURALITY OF ENDLESS TAPE CARTRIDGES 9 Claims, 20 Drawing Figs.

[52] US. Cl 274/4, 179/100.2, 352/123 [51] Int. Cl B65h19/00,

Primary Examiner.] Russell Goudeau Attorney-Nathan M. Briskin ABSTRACT: A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges wherein a plurality of pushbutton rods are provided, corresponding to each of the cartridges and are adapted to index not only the cartridges in the play position but also the sound track when said pushbutton rod is depressed while movement of a housing is arrested at the same time the sound track is indexed when the depressed pushbutton rod is engaged with the stop member to depress an operating rod for a switch and the like which is provided to correspond to each sound track.

Pmmd May 11, 1971 3,578,335

5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR ATTORNEY PM; Mayn, 1971 5 Sheets-Sheet.

ATTORNEY 5 sheets- 3 I INVENTOR 7 67/1 ATTORNEY Pdtentg d May 11,1911 P 3,578,335

5 Sheets-Shoot 5 INVENTOR HUM? [3/410 ATTORNEY SOUND TRACK CHANGEOVER DEVICE FOR AUTOMATIC PLAYING APPARATUS HAVING A PLURALITY OF ENDLESS TAPE CARTRIDGES BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to a sound track changeover device for automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges. more particularly to the sound track changeover device which is adapted to successively index one of the plurality of sound tracks on an endless tape contained within each cartridge or index one of the tracks for its reproduction.

An automatic playing apparatus has been proposed wherein a plurality of endless tape cartridges are stored therewithin and one or more of the cartridges are indexed to be played to the same manner as a jukebox. As is well known. the magnetic tapes comprise two varieties in a broad sense. namely. one is for a single sound track (two tracks for stereo); the other is for a plurality of sound tracks. However. needless to say, a plurality of sound tracks are preferably provided on the tape to record more audio information. -I'his is the case with the automatic playing apparatus which is adapted to play the tape within each of cartridges. However, the quantity of the cartridges stored in the housing is limited to a certain number so that it is important to use the tape having a plurality of sound tracks thereon. For use, it is necessary to provide means for the automatic playing apparatus so that not only the cartridge but also the sound track is indexed. The proposed automatic playing apparatus comprises a cartridge indexing means independently of the track indexing means so that indexing operation for reproduction would be complicated with the increase of the number of cartridges or sound tracks.

In order to eliminate such defect from the automatic playing apparatus, it is desired to index not only the cartridge but also the sound track after programming the index thereof. This invention contemplates to provide a sound track changeover device for use in the automatic playing apparatus to overcome these (IIII'ICUIIICS.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is, therefore. a principal object of the present invention is to provide a sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges wherein a plurality of push button rods are arranged on a housing receiving said plurality of cartridges to corresponding to each of the sound tracks on the tape therewithin the cartridge and sound track are simultaneously indexed by depressing said pushbutton .rod, said depressed pushbutton rod depressing an operating rod for a changeover control of each sound track by movement of the housing so that the indexed sound track is played.

A further object of the invention is to provide an automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges wherein a deck provided with a magnetic head and a capstan is swing-able by searching an end mark upon completion of reproduction of a single sound track, thereafter the pushbutton rod engaging the operating rod for the changeover control is automatically returned to its original position. and the succeeding depressed pushbutton depresses a different operating rod to establish changeover of the sound track.

Another object of the invention is to provide an automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges wherein an operating rod which is depressed by the pushbutton rod is a rod operating a microswitch with actuation of this microswitch. the output of the magnetic head corresponding facing to each sound track is changed over to apply the output to an amplifier to changeover the sound track.

Still further object of the invention is to provide an automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges wherein the operating rod depressed by the depressed push rod actuate s a swingable piece for a switch having a plurality of contacts andan operating member having a stepped portion, with said switch the output of the magnetic head is changed over to apply the output to the amplifier to changeover the sound track or a solenoid lifting or lowering the magnetic head is actuated to changeover the sound track.

Still another object of the invention is to provide an automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges wherein the operating rod depressed by the pushbutton rod controls movement of a slide lever lifting or lowering the magnetic head to establish the changeover of the sound track.

Further objects and additional advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and annexed drawings, wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a plan view showing an automatic playing apparatus having a plurality of endless tape cartridges and one form of a sound track changeover device according to the present invention for use therewith;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the automatic playing apparatus shown in FIG. I with a part thereof broken away and in section;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the sound track changeover device for the automatic playing apparatus shown in FIG. I, and a is a perspective view thereof, b is a plan view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram wherein the changeover of the sound track is effected by the microswitch shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the deck driving mechanism shown in FIGv I;

FIG. 6 is a current supply circuit diagram for the electromagnet shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the deck stop mechanism shown in FIG. I;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of another form of the sound track changeover device according to the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another form of the sound track changeover device shown in FIG. 8;

FIG. I0 is a perspective view of further modified form of the sound track changeover device according to the present invention; l l

FIG. II is a perspective view of still further modified form ofthe sound track changeover device;

FIG. I2 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the sound track changeover device for changing over the four sound track, and a is a perspective view thereof?!) is a plan view thereof;

FIG. I3 is a perspective view showinga magnetic head vertically sliding mechanism coupled to and cooperating with the changeover device shown in FIG. I2;

FIG. I4 is a current supply circuit diagram for the rotary solenoid shown in FIG. l3;

FIG. I5 is a perspective view showing still another modified form of the souhd track changeover device according to the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of another modified form of the device shown in FIG. 15; I

FIG. 17 is a circuit wherein the sound track is changed over by changeover of the pickup coil of the magnetic with use of the device shown in FIG. I5;

FIG. I8 is a schematic perspective view showing means for changing over the sound track by vertically moving the magnetic head with use of the device shown in FIG. I5.

DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS l, numeral 1 depressions 26, 27 disposed on the sidewalls of each of cartridges 25 25 radially arranged at the housing to hold it in position. Each cartridge is provided with a rotary disc 29 in which a roll of endless tape 28, reels, a tape guide 30, a rotatable pinch roller 31. A lid is provided to cover each cartridge 25, however, the detail of inside thereof is not shown in FIG. 1. Two pairs of cartridges 25 are diametrically arranged at right angles to each other and the forward ends 25 25' of each cartridge slightly project from the edge of the housing 20.

The cartridge 25 may be away from the housing 20 and dis placed with another cartridge by drawing or pushing away against the bias of retainers received in the depressions.

Downwardly of the housing 20 is provided a cylindrical hollow member or shaft 32 which is secured to the cabinet (not shown), and between which and the bearing 21 a coil spring 33 is interposed at the end thereof.

This will store energy inthe spring 33 when the housing 20 is manually rotated in the direction of arrow B to impart rotation to the casing 20 in the direction of arrow A.

A projection 34 is integrally formed of the edge of the housing 20 to arrest rotation of the housing under influence of the spring 33 since it is engaged by a lever 35 which is pivoted by a shaft 36 at the center thereof. Arrest of rotation of the housing Rotation of the lever 35 against the bias of the spring 37 releases the lever 35 from the projection 34 to initiate rotation of the casing 20.

Hollow shafts 39 to 39,, 40 to 40. are mounted to the vicinity of the sidewalls of the cartridge. Pushbutton rods or pushrods 4l to 41 42 to 412, are slidably and frictionally inserted within the hollow shafts respectively. The ends of pushrods are adapted to be normally projected from the end of the hollow shaft's. When the pressure is applied to the rods, the lower end thereof considerably project from the lower end of the shaft. These pushrods are provided to effect a sound trackindcxing when they are depressed and are rotatable as the casing is rotated. The lower end of the pushrod is engaged by a raised portion 43 mounted to the cabinet to arrest rotation of the casing 20 when the rod is depressed. FIG. I shows how rotation of the casihg 20 may be arrested and the cartridge 25 is held in the play position by depressing rods to be engaged with the raised portion or stop member 43.

Numeral 44 designates a deck which is provided with a capstan 45 and a magnetic head 46 and is swingably journaled by a pivot 47. The capstan 45 passes through the deck 44 and v downwardly projects therefrom.

The capstan 45 is further secured to a flywheel 51 to which rotation of a rotary shaft 49 for a motor 48 secured to the deck 44, is imparted through a belt 50 and is rotatably supported by a bearing 51 mounted to the deck 44. A spring 53. extends between the deck 44 and the cabinet to urgc the deck against the cartridge to allow the capstan 45 to abut on the pinch roller 31 through the tape 29 while the magnetic head 46 is engaged by the tape 28.

Numeral'54 indicates an end mark search head which is mounted to the deck 44 to search an end mark (not shown) of -'aluminum foil, conductive material. The end mark search head is so constructed that the normally opened opposed contacts may be closed by the end marks. When the tape is played, the end mark search head 54 is adapted to be urged by the tape 28 in the same manner as the magnetic head 46.

In FIG. 2, like part or parts are represented by like reference numerals in FIG. I.

To the surface 43 of the raised portion or stop member 43 by which the depressed pushrods are engaged is axially and 4* ,the guide pins 57. The return lcvr 55 is urged by the bias of this spring against the surface 43 in the retainer 43. A spring 59 also extends between the portion of the lever 55 and the cabinet; to normally urge the lever 55 downwardly. The location of the lever 55 is normally such thatthe upper edge of the lever is positioned below the depressed pushrods 41 42 which are engaged by the raised portion 43.

It should be noted that pushrod 41 is engaged by the raised portion or stop member 43 ahead of the other rod 42 when they are depressed. The pushrod 42 is arranged to be spaced a distance more than at least the thickness of the lever 55 from the stop member 43.

Numeral 60 designates a lever of which one end is positioned adjacent to the lever 55 and the other end is engaged by a rim portion 61 of the deck 44 and which is pivotally supported by a pin 62. The details of the lever 60 and the return lever 55 are illustrated in FIG. 3.

When the deck 44 is swingably moved by deck driving means, as will be described later, in the direction of arrow C, the lever 60 is rotated round a shaft 62 through the rim portion 61 in' the rightward direction against the bias ofthe spring 63. Such rotation of the lever 60 causes the return lever 55 to effect its upward movement. Thus, the pushrod 41 is caused to be upwardly moved to release its engagement from the raised portion or stop member 43. Next, the deck 44 is returned to its original position by the bias of the spring 53, the lever 60 and the return lever 55 are respectively restored to their original position. As mentioned, engagement of the pushrod 41 with the stop member 43 is released by upward movement of the pushrod 41- thereafter the pushrod 42 is caused to be engaged by the stop member 43 so that rotation of the casing 20 is still arrested. Again, the deck 44 initiates its swingable movement, the pushrod 42 is caused to be upwardly moved to release arrest of rotation of the housing 20. If all the pushrods 41 42 are depressed, two swingable movements of the deck 44 is required to release arrest rotation of the housing 20. Once, however, one of the two pushrods is depressed. arrest of rotation of the housing 20 is released by only one swingable movement of the deck 44. The pushrod 41 functions tmserve both as arrest of rotation of the housing and establishment ofa soundtrack indexing.

Depression of the pushrod 4I is applied to an operating lever 65 for a microswitch 64 constituting a sound track changeover control, the fonncr which projectsQfrom the surface 43 actuatcs the microswitch 64 when the pushrod is engaged with the stop membc 43.

The microswitch 64, see FIG. 4, is provided between magnetic heads 46,, 46,, and an amplifier 66. The two magnets 46,,, 46,, are assdciatcd with relative sound tracks respectively and the amplifier 66 is for amplifying the output of these magnetic heads. If the operating lever 65 is depressed, the output of the magnetic head 46,, is applied to the amplifier 66. But if not, the output of the other magnetic head 46,, is applied thereto.

The magnetic head 46 shown in FIG. 1 is the complex heads serving as the heads 46 46,,. A slit 55 formed in the return lever 55 enables the latter to avoid its engagement with the lever 65 when the lever 55 effects its vertical movement.

A cam 67 shown in FIG. 2 is slidably mounted adjacent to the capstan 45 to form a part of deck driving means.

Referring to FIG. 5, the details of deck driving means are shown therein. A pin 68 projects from the flywheel SI and a leaf spring 69 is engaged over the pin 68I The one end of the leaf spring 69 is secured to the cam 67. Therefore, the cam 67 is rotated as the flywheel 5I effects its rotation. To the cabinet 70 of the apparatus is provided an electromagnet 71 which includes a swingable actuator 72. The electromagnet 71, see FIG. 6, is connected to a supply source 75 through an end At this point, the end of the actuator 72 is positioned within the range of rotation of the cam 67 when it is rotated in the direction of arrow D. Engagement of the actuator with the cam establishes reaction on the cam 67 so that the flywheel is caused to be urged in the direction of arrow E through the bias of the spring 69. The deck 44, see FIG. 7 is rotated round a pivot 47 in the direction of arrow F under the bias of the flywheel 51. The leaf spring 69 retains the cam 67 to impart rotation of the flywheel Sl thereto and serves to avoid radical engagement of the cam 67 with the actuator 72. Since deck driving means is adaptedto provide the cam 67 and the electromagnet 71, the deck 44 is capable of effecting substantial swingable' movement in cooperation with the force of inertia of the flywheel at a minimum current applied to the exciting coil 71,.

FIG. 7 shows a mechanism for releasablycngaging over the deck, wherein like parts are represented by like numerals.

When the deck 44 is rotated upon searching the end mark 74 in the direction of arrow F against the bias of the spring 53,.

the end of a pawl 76 which is pivotally mounted to the deck 44 is meshed with one of the teeth of a ratchet wheel 77 to arrest rotation of the deck 44. A spring 78 extending between the pawl and a pin 78 on the cabinet provides for maintaining engagement of the pawl 76 with the ratchet wheel 77. The ratchet wheel 76 is coupled through multiplying gears 79, 80 to a governor claw 82. Thus, the number of rotations relative to theratchet wheel 76 is governed by the gear 81 and the claw 82. With this arrangement, the deck 44 is gradually returned at a certain interval to its original position where the capstan 45 may be engaged with the pinch roller of the cartridge in the ready-to-play position.

Operation of the playing apparatus. as illustrated in FIGS. l to 7, for which one form of the sound track changeover device is used, will be described hereinafter.

in H0. 1 assuming that a first sound track (not shown) on the tape 28 is played in response to tape running upon engagement of the capstan 45 with the pinch roller 31 of the cartridge 25 in the play position by establishing engagement of the depressed pushrod 41 with the stop member 43 to arrest rotation of the housing 20. The tape feed progresses and the end mark 74 on the tape 28 short-circuits the contacts of the end mark head 54 whereby the exciting coil 7] of the electromagnet 71 is actuated to allow the actuator 72 to be attracted to the yoke 71 l As a result, the cam 67 which is rotated with the flywheel 51 is engaged with the actuator 72 and reaction derived from such engagement rotates the deck-'14 against the bias of the spring 53 while the capstan,45 moves away from the pinch roller 31 and the magnetic head 46 is away from the tape 28. This terminates running of 'the tape 28 at the same time reproduction of the first sound track on the tape is completed.

When the deck 44 is being away from the cartridge 25, the lever 60 is raised against the bias of the spring 63 under the influence of the limb portion 6|. That is, the pushrod 41 is slidably moved after releasing from the raised portion 43. Rotation of the casing is new again initiated by energy stored in the spring 33 and may be continued until the next depressed pushrod 42 is engaged by the stop member 43 to bring the cartridge into the play position. The deck is retained by meshing the pawl 76 with the ratchetjwhecl 77 after the deck moves away from the cartridge 25 and it is maintained in position for a certain interval by time lag means which comprises a governor mechanism, Thereafter, the deck 44 is automatically returned to its normal position by the bias of the spring 53 so that the pinch roller 31 is caused to he cngagcd with the capstan to feed the tape 28. in this rcprotluction of the tape 28, audio information recorded on the second track on the tape is played since the pushrod 4|, is raised and the operating lever 6'45 64 is deactuatctl. Hy completion of reproduction of the second sound track allows the end mark search 54 to search the end mark 74 whereby the deck 44 moves away from the cartridge 25 as previously described.

Thus, the pushrod 42 is upwardly moved by the return lever 55 to release from the raised portion 43 to thereby allow the casing 20 is rotated in the direction of arrow A. Assuming that the second sound track is desired to be playcd and thus the pushrod 42, is depressed, rotation of the housing 20 is arrested 1 at the point where the pushrod 42,, is engaged with the stop member 43. As a result, the cartridge 25 is positioned in play position and the tape reeled on the cartridge 25, is run for its reproduction when the deck 44 is returned to its original position after a certain period ofthc time as mentioned.

The apparatus according to the invention has advantages in that the cartridge and sound track indexing are established by depressing a desired pushrod to effect reproduction of the tape in the manner that disc record can be played.

According to the embodiments as described in the above,

the pushbutton rods are angularly arranged in relation to the i stop member, however, a modified arrangement of the pushbutton rods is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, that is, the pushrods are arranged in parallel to the stop member.

Referring to FIG. 8, integrally formed of the housing 20 is a projection which is provided cylindrical pushrods 86 and 87 slidably passing thcrethrough. The pushrod 86 has a somewhat larger diameter than that of the other rod 87. A conical portion 88 is concentrically formed on the lower portion of the push rod 86.

Numeral 89 designates a stop member which is mounted on the cabinet and the surface 89' with which the depressed pushrods 86, 87 are engaged, is provided with recesses or grooves 90 and 9t thereon. The pushrods 86," 87 may be received within these recesses in a manner that they are in alignment with the surface 89' of the stop member. Numeral 92 indicates a microswitch which serves for a sound track changeover control having a operating rod 93. The operating rod 93 passes through the stop member 89 and projects from the groove 90. The microswitch 92 is, therefore, adapted to be operated by the pushrod 86. Numeral 94 designates a return lever which is slidably and rotatably supported on a vertical shaft 95 at one end thereof. The return lever 94 is normally urged in the downward direction by the bias of a spring 97 which is wound around the shaft and extends from a pin 96 fixed to the cabinet. it should be noted that the return lever 94 is positioned to be in abutment with the surface 89, of the stop member 89.

Numeral 98 designates a lever which is swingably supported by a shaft 99. The lever 98 is so positioned that one thereof comes in contact with the lower end of the return lever 94 and the other is engaged with a portion of the deck (not shown) including the capstan and the magnetic head or the other parts. Between the cabinet and the lever 98 extends a,spring 100 which urges the lever 98 to allow one end thereof to engage a portion of the deck.

in FIG. 8, assuming that the pushrods 86 and 87 and both depressed and they are engaged with the stop member 91 by movement of the housing in the direction of arrow G so that the tape (not shown) is played, the second track on the tape is caused to be played since the operating rod 93 of the microswitch 92 is depressed by the pushrod 86.

When the tape has completed one cycle and. the second track finishes its reproduction, the deck (not shown) is swung in the direction of arrow H in response to detection of the end mark on the tape so that the lever 98 is rotated against the bias of the spring 37:. By rotation of the lever 98, the return lever 94 is vertically and upwardly moved in line with the shaft 95.

Upwardly moving lever 94 is initially engaged by the conical portion 88 and is caused to be slightly rotated around the shaft 95 to allow the lever 94 to keep away from the surface 89' of previously mentioned, the pushrod 87 has a smaller diameter than that of the pushrod 86. no engagement is established between the rod 87 and the return lever 94 so that the rod 87 is maintained in its position. After a certain period time has passed, the deck is returned to its normal position. and the lever 98 and 94 are thus returned to their normal position. At this point. the first sound track is played.

Now. the tape completed one cycle and the deck is again swung, the return lever 94 is raised in the same manner as mentioned as above, however, at this time. the pushrod 87 is urged and raised to release it from the stop member 89 since the return lever 94 is in abutment with the surface 89' of the stop member 89. For this reason, retention of the housing is released.

As clearly seen from the foregoing. the sound track is sequentially changed over when the pushrods are arranged in parallel to the stop member as well as they are angularly arranged thereto. Whether one or the othcrof pushrods 86. 87 is depressed, only the first sound track is to be played.

Further modified form of the pushrod is illustrated in FIG. 9.

Numeral 101 designates a pushro'd of rectangular in section having a trigonal prism 103 integrally formed therewith. Numeral 102 indicates the other pushrod which is arranged with the pushrod 101 on the housing. These rods I01 and 102 are adapted to be slidably moved on the housing. Formed on the surface 104 of the stop member 104 with which the depressed pushrods I01. 102 is engaged. are a groove 106 of semicircular in section and a groove; 105 of square in section. The groove 105 is for receiving the rod 101 while the other groove 106 is for receiving the rod 102. The trigonal prism 103 is so adapted to correspond to the conical portion 88. A microswitch I07 operated by the rod I01 includes an operating rod 108 which passes through the stop member 104 and projects from the groove 105.

The'pushrods shown in FIG. 9 are used for securing more stable operation than the other form thereof illustrated in FIG. 8 i

' Referring to FIG. 10. numerals 110. III indicates pushrods which are identical to each'other and are slidably and frictionally engageable with the housing. As shown. the pushrod I10. 111 are depressed to be into engagement with the surface 112' of the stop member 112. A microswitch 113 is provided with an operating rod 114 which may be operated by the pushrod 110 when it is depressed. The contacts of the microswiteh 113 is also the changeover contacts of two pickup coil for the magnetic head to correspondingly face to the first and second track on the tape. FIG. shows the condition where the pickup coil for the second sound track is connected to the amplifier for reproduction. Now. the reproduction of the sound second track is completed and the deck (not shown) is swung in response to the end mark signal, a cam plate 115 coupled to the deck is rightward moved to allow a boss secured to the cam plate to urge a lever 117 which is rotatably supported on a shaft 118. Rotation of the lever 117 causes a lever 119 which is rigidly fixed to the shaft 118 to be rotated against the bias spring 120.

' Connected to the other end of the lever 119 is a lever I22 which is rotatably supported on a pin 121. The lever 122 is disposed adjacent to the surface 112 of the stop member 112' of the stop member 112 and is provided with a plate 123. The lever 122 is also provided with a step portion 124 at the lower end thereof. A spring 125 is interposed between the levers I19 and 122. The lever 122 is counterclockwise urged under the influence of the spring 125. however. rotation of the lever I22 is arrested by engagement of the stop portion 124 with the pin 126.

When the deck (not shown) is swung. the lever I19 is rotated through the lever I17 and the shaft 118 and the upper end of the lever 119 is moved in the direction of arrow .I. As a result, the lever 122 is caused to be raised and is counter clockwise rotated to engage the plate 123 with the pushrod 110 for arresting rotation of the lever 122. Further movement of the deck releases the step portion from the pin under upward movement of the lever I22 and the lower end of the pushrod is upwardly moved by the lever 122 so that the pushrod 110 is returned to its normal position and is out of engagement with the stop member 112. At this point. an inclined portion of the cam plate 115 is engaged with the pin 127 secured to the cabinet to depress the cam plate 115 for releasing the boss 116 from the lever I17. thereafter, all the levers are returned to their normal position, see FIG. 10. under the influence ofthe springs and 125.

The deck is returned to its normal position. at a certain interval. the cam plate I 15 allows the boss 116 to-pass over the lever 117 to establish engagement of the boss 116 with the lever 117. With the deck being returned to its normal position. the tape is again played. however. at this time. the pushrod is in the position shown by the dotted lines of FIG. 10 so that the operating rod 1 I4 is out ofoperation to effect reproduction of the first sound track.

After completion of the first track reproduction. the deck is again swung in response to the end mark signal to rotate each lever in the same manner as mentioned as above. The lever 122 at this time may be engaged with the pushrod III at the position shown by the dotted lines of FIG. 10 since the lever 110 has returned to its normal position. Movement of the lever 122 in response to movement of the deck allows the pushrod I II to be raised and returned to its normal position.

'Ihereafter. engagement of the inclined portion 115 with the pin 127 causes the cam plate 115 to be raised to release the boss 116 from the lever I17 for returning all the levers to their normal position.

As described. in the embodiment shown in FIG. 10. the depressed pushrods I10. III are successively returned to their normal position whenever the deck is swung to effect the sound track changeover.

FIG. 11 shows that the sound track changeover is effected by the magnetic head which is vertically moved. Like part and parts are represented by like reference numerals in FIG. 10.

Numerals I28. 129 are operating rods of which one ends pass through the stop member 112. and the other ends pass through a support member I30 secured to the cabinet. Rings I31 and 132 are secured to each rods to serve for urge springs which are wound around the rods I28. 129 in the direction of the support member 130. The one ends of the operating rods I28. I29 are normally urged and project from thesurfaee 112' of the stop member 112 while the other ends are received within the support member under the influence of the springs I33. 134.

In FIG. 11; the operating rods I28, 129 are depressed against the bias of the springs 133. 134 by the depressed pushrods 110. 1.11 so that the other ends thereof project from the rear surface of the support member 130.

Numeral I35 designates a slide lever which is slidably and horiaontally reciprocable within an aperture 137. and' which movement is arrested by a guide rod I36. A spring 139 is arranged between the slide lever 135 and a pin 138 fixed to the deck so as to urge the slide lever 135 to the left in the drawing. A rack 140 is formed on the right end upper edge of the slide lever I35 to engage a pinion 141 for rotatably bearing a rotative shaft 142 upon the deck. A cam 143 is fixed to the rotative shaft 142. A resilient supporting plate 144 is provided with one end thereof fixed to the deck and the free end thereof urged to said cam 143 by its own resiliency. The supporting plate 144 carries a magnetic head 145.

In the drawing, the pushbutton rods or pushrods I10 and 111 are shown depressed so that the. operating or operative rods I28 and 129 have been actuated so that respective rear. ends project from the rear surface of the supporting member 130 and the left end of the slide lever 135 abuts against the. operative rod 128. In this state. sound reproduction is being made with respect to the second sound track. When this second track reproduction is completed and the deck (not shown) is swung, the pushrod] 10 is lifted by the lever 122 so .as to be disengaged from the stop member 112 and releases the operating rod 178 from depressed state. Thereby, the operating rod 128 is returned due to resiliency of the spring 133 so that the projecting rear end thereof is withdrawn from the rear face of the supporting member 130. Then, when the swingable deck is returned to its normal position, the left end of the slide lever 137 is brought into abutment with the operating rod 129. In this state, the slide lever is shifted further left in the drawing then the housing in which it abuts against the operating rod 129. This shift causes rotation of the pinion '141 engaging the rack 140 resulting in simultaneous clockwise rotation of the cam 143. This causes downward shift the supporting plate 144, against which said cam 143 abuts, due to its own resiliency. resulting in such lowering of the magnetic head 145 as to bring the same to the first sound track on the tape (not shown). Thus reproduction is made with respect to the first sound track.

When the first sound track reproduction is completed and the deck is swung due to the end mark signal. the pushrod 1 11 is returned by means of the lever I22, and the operative rod 129 is returned at the same time. As mentioned above. in the sound track changeover device of FIG. 11 rotation of the cam 143 due to movement of the slide lever 135 causes vertical movement of the magnetic head 145 to changeover the sound tracks. The operative rods 128 and 129 operated by the pushrods 110 and 111 control the shift amount of the slide lever 135, Although two pushrods and two operative rodsare shown in the drawing, it is of course possible that, for example, four such rods will perform changeover operation of four soundtracks.

Referring now to FIGS. 12-14 which show arrangement for four sound track changeover operation with four pushrods arranged obliquely of the stop member, there are shown a stop member 146 and pushrods 147, 148, 149 and 150 arranged to the housing (not shown) for holding the cartridges. FIG. 12a

shows all the pushrods in a depressed state with the particular pushrod 150 engaging the stop member in advance of other rods. Microswitches 151, 152, 153 and 154 are provided with their respective operative rods 155, 156, 157 and 158 passing through the stop member 146, their respective ends slightly projecting from the surface 146 of the stop member 146, As is clear from FIG. 12!), in the illustrated state, by means of thc pushrod 150 engaging the stop member 146, the operative rod 158 is depressed to close the contact of the micr oswitch 154. The surface 146 of the stop member 146 is provided with a vertically movable return lever 159 with a guide aperture 160 and guide pins 161 and 162. A spring 163 is arranged between a portion of this return lever 159 and the immovable part of the cabinet so as to normally urge the return lever 159 downwardly. Accordingly, the upper edge of the return lever 159 is normally positioned below the'lowcr end of the pushrod engaging the stop member 146. A lever 164 is pivoted to the cabinet through a pin 165 with one end thereof engaging the lower end of the return lever 159 and the other end engaging a projection 108 of the lower surface of the deck 167 through the resiliency of the spring 166v When the deck 167 swings to the right in FIG. 12a, the lever 164 swings, through said projection 168, against the resiliency of the opening 166, so that the return lever 159 is lifted against the resiliency ofthc spring 163. This lift movement causes upward movement of the pushbutton rod 150 engaging the stop member 146, thus causing the disengagement of the same. At the same time, the operative rod 158 of the microswitch 154 is released from the depressed state.

When the deck 167 is returned, the pushrod 149 engages the stop member 146 and depresses the operative rod 157 of example, rcproductionis desired with respect to the third the microswitch 153. Thus, every time the deck 167 is swung, 7

one other pushrod engages the stop member 146, and one other microswitch is operated, successively. The microswitches 151, 15 2, I53 and 154 control, as will be described later, the rotary solenoid 170 for the vertical movement of the magnetic head 169 (FIG. 13). As shown in FIG. 13, the magnetic head 169 is arranged to the front edge of a leaf spring frame 171 fixed at one end thereof to the deck. The

leaf spring frame 171 is urged downwardly due to its own resiliency, into abutment against an eccentric cam 172. The eccentric cam 172 is fixed to the end of the rotative shaft 173 of the rotary solenoid 170 fixed to its upper surface of the deck, so that it rotates with a conductive cylinder 174 secured to said rotative shaft 173. Accordingly, as will be described below, every time the eccentric cam 172 carries out 90 rotation through the action of the rotary solenoid 170, the magnetic head 169 performs a vertical movement to changeover the sound track.

Four insulating pieces 175, 176, 177 and 178 are provided on the surface of said conductive cylinder 174 with 90 angular offset from each other. An insulating base member 179 is secured to the upper surface of the deck and carries brush contacts 180, 181, 182, and 183, each of which consists ofone pair of conductive pieces. The conductive cylinder 174, the insulating pieces 175, 176, 177 and 178 and the brush contacts 180, 181, 182 and 183 cooperate with the microswitches 151, I52, 153 and 154 to control the operation of the rotary solenoid 170.

FIG. 14 shows the power supply circuit of the rotary solenoid 170 in which connections are made as illustrated with respect to the microswitches 151, 152, 153 and 154, the brush contacts 180, 181, 182 and 183, a switch 184 operated by the rotary solenoid 170 and a power source 185. The switch 184 has such a contact as to be opened at the end of the rotation of the rotor (not shown) in the rotary solenoid 170. When the microswitch 154 is in a closed state due to the operation of the pushbutton switch 150 as shown in FIG. 12, the rotary solenoid 170 is connected to the power source 185 through the switch 184, the brush contact 183 and the microswitch 154.

Accordingly. the conductive cylinder 174 rotates by 90 steps in response to the operation of the switch 184. When the brush contact 183 is brought into contactwith the insulating piece 178, the brush contacts 183 becomes not conducting so that current to the rotary solenoid 170 is interrupted and the conductive cylinder 174 is stopped, This causes stoppage of the eccentric cam 172 so that the magnetic head. 169 is positioned adjacent to the fourth sound track corresponding to the pushrod 150.

When the reproduction with respect to the fourth sound track is completed and the deck is swung due to the end mark signal, the microswitch 153 is closed due to the action of the pushrod 149 and thc microswitch 154 is opened, as mentioned before. As a result, the rotary solenoid 170 operates until the brush contact 182 is brought into contact with the insulating piece 177, when thc conductive cylinder 174 is stopped. Then, the magnetic head 169 is shifted, under the control of the cocentric cam 172, from the position it occupied previously to the position corresponding to the third sound track. Thus, the sound track changeover operation is performed in succession. Thus, when the microswitch 152 is depressed through the pushrod 148, reproduction is made with respect to the second sound track; and when the microswitch 151 is depressed through the pushrod 147, reproduction is made with respect to the first sound track.

FIG. 12 shows a state where all the four pushrods are depressed to make reproduction of all the sound tracks. If, for

sound track only, it is of course only necessary to depress the pushrod 149.

The sound track changeover arrangement shown in FIG. 12 I to 14 utilizes microswitches of the number corresponding to that of the sound tracks. From FIG, 15 on there is shown an example wherein sound track changeover control is carried out through a switch having one movable contact and four 1 fixed contacts.

In FIG. 15 a stop member 186 has a sphcricallycurved sur face 186'. Pushrods I87, I88, 189 and I90art'. mounted to the cartridge receiving housing in such a manner that they are slidablc and friction-engaged and arranged in a curve corresponding to the surface 186 of the stop member 186, 'l lam, the depressed pushrods 187, 188, I89 and 190simultanmnmly rods 191, 192", 193 and 194 corresponding respectively .to said pushrods pass through the member 186 and are depressed, as is clear from the drawing, by the depressed pushrods. so as to project the rear ends thereof from the rear surface of the stop member 186 by approximately the same amount respectively. Contacts 195, 196, 197 and 198 are arranged on an insulating base plate (not shown) and cooperate with a movable contact 199 with one end thereof pivoted by a shaft 200 also to an insulating base plate (not shown) so as to form a switch.

To the free end of the movable contact 199 there is fixed a lever 201 provided with four abutting steps 202, 203, 204 and 205 which are respectively opposed to the rear end of the operative rods 191, 192, 193 and 194 passing through the stop member 186. Between the movable contact 199 and the said insulating base plate (not shown) there is arranged a spring 206 whose resiliency urges .the movable contact 199 and the lever 201 so as to tend to move toward the stop member 186, Accordingly, in the case as illustrated, due to the resiliency of the spring 206 the lever 201 is urged against the rear end of the operative rod 194 by way of the abutting step 205. When the operative rod 194 abuts against the abuttingstcp 205 the movable contact 199 contacts the contact 198; while when the pushbutton rod 190 is returned and due to the resiliency of the spring 206 the operative rod 194 is pushed by the lever 201, the abutting step 204 abuts against the operative rod 193 and in this case the movable contact 199 contacts the contact 197. When the pushrod 189 is returned, the abutting step 203 abuts against the operative rod 192 and the movable contact 199 contacts the contact 196. When the pushrod 188 is returned and the abutting step 202 abuts against the operative rod 191, the movable contact 199 contacts the contact 195. When, at last,-the pushbutton rod 187 is returned. the lever 201 abuts against the rear surface of the stop member 186, and there is no contact to contact the movable contact 199.

The above description relates to a case where all the pushrods are depressed. When, for example, the pushrods 189 and 187 only are depressed, first the operative rod 193 abuts against; the abutting step 204 and the movable contact 199 contacts the contact 197; ;and after the pushrod 189 is returned, the movable contact 199 contacts the contact 195.

A return lever 207 is provided for pushrods 187, 188, 189 and 190 which are depressed and engage the stop member 186. One end of this return lever 207 is secured to a shaft 209 slidably and rotatably supported by a hearing tube 208 arranged on the cabinet. One side of the return lever 207 is raised to form an engaging portion 210. The rear end of the return lever 207 is bent downwardly to form a raised slope portion 211 which is parallel to the side surface of said bearing tube 208. A pin 212 is secured to the upper part of the side surface of the bearing tube 208. The raised slope portion 211 of the return lever 207 engages said pin 212 to control the swing of the return lever 207. A lever 213 is pivoted at the central part thereof to the shaft 214, with one end thereof positioned adjacent to the lower end of the shaft 209 of said retum lever 207. Between the lever 213 and the shaft 209 there is arranged a coil spring 215 whose resiliency urges the return lever 207- counterclockwise in the drawing and also urges the shaft 209 downwardly. Also, between one end of the lever 213 and the cabinet there is arranged a spring 216. The resiliency of this spring 216 and the coil spring 215 causes the return lever 207 to be normally urged to the upper end ofthe bearing tube 208. A spring 217 is connected at one end thereof 217 to the deck (not shown) carrying the magnetic head, capstan, etc., and is pulled in the direction of arrow K by the swing of the deck in the direction ofwithdrawing from the cartridge (not shown) in reproducing position. The other end of the spring 217 is fixed to one end of the lever 113. An air piston brake 218 is connected to the lever 113 to prevent an abrupt swing of the lever 113.

The switch forming contacts 195, 196, 197 and 198 are connected, as shown for example in FIG. 17, respectively to one output lead each of pickup coils 219, 220, 221 and 222 of magnetic heads corresponding respectively to the first, second, third and fourth sound tracks of the tape (not shown); and the movable contact 199 is connected to the input ter minal 223 of a reproduction amplifier (not shown). The remaining output leads of the pickup coils 219, 220, 221 and 222 are commonly connected to the grounded side input terminal 224 of the reproduction amplifier (not shown). Accordingly when the movable contact 199 contacts one of the switch contacts 219, 220, 221 and 222, the reproduced signal of in corresponding sound track is applied to the reproduction amplifier (not shown) through input terminals 223 and 224.

in FIG. 17 there is shown an arrangement which performs sound track changeover through changeover of magnetic head pickup coil output; while H0. 18 shows an arrangement which performs sound track changeover through vertical movement of the magnetic head. 1n FIG. 18 there is shown a rotation control arrangement 225 containing a rotary solenoid.

The rotative shaft 226 of this arrangement has an eccentric cam 227 secured to the end thereof. A leaf spring 229, which is secured at one end thereof to the deck (not shown) and has a magnetic head 228 secured to it, is urged to the eccentric cam 227. When the terminals 230 and 230' of the rotation control arrangement are short-circuited, the eccentric cam 227 is stopped at the position shown in the drawing and the magnetic head 228 is brought into contact with the first sound track. Then, when the terminals 231 and 231' and short-circuited, the eccentric cam 227 swings in the direction of arrow R and is stopped so that the magnetic head 228 is lifted and contacts the second sound track. Thus, short circuit of the terminals 232 and 232 and terminals 233 and 233' cause the magnetic head 288 to contact the third and the fourth sound tracks respectively. Accordingly, it is clear that sound track changeover may be carried out if the terminals 230', 231', 232 and 233' are formed into a common terminal which is connected to the movable contact 199 and the terminals 230, 231, 232 and 233 are ctinnected to the contacts 195, 196, 197 and 198 respectively.

In FIG. 15 there is shown the fourth sound track with reproduction is being made. When the reproduction is completed and due to the end mark signal the deck swings away from the cartridge (not shown) at the reproducing posi tion, a force is abruptly exerted 'upon the spring 217 in the direction of arrow K causing said spring 217 to be extended and energized. As a result, due to the action of the air piston brake 218 the lever 213 swings slowly about the pivot 214 against the resiliency of the spring 216 so as to push up the shaft 209 and the returnlevcr 207. Under control of the raised slope 211 and the pin 212, the return lever 207 starts to swing in the direction of the arrow L as it moves upward. This swing movement, however, is stopped through abutment of the engaging part 210 against the lower end of the pushrod 190. Further swing of the lever 213 pushes up the shaft 209 and the return lever 207 so that the return lever 207 pushes the lower end of the pushrod to lift it so that it is brought out of engagementwith the stop member 186 and is returned to the original position. Accordingly, the operative rod 194 is returned as it is pushed by the abutting step 205 of the lever 201; and the abutting step 204 of the lever 201 abuts against the operative rod 193 so that the movable contact 199 contacts the contact 197 and the third sound track is in condition for reproduction. When the deck and the lever 213 are returned, due to the action of the coil spring 215, the shaft 209 and the return lever 207 are returned to the original position. In this case, it is necessary to so position the members relative to each other that returning of the return lever 207 is not prevented by the end of the operative rod 194 which has already returned. Upon swing of the deck due to the end mark signal owing to the completion of the third sound track, the return lever 207 swings in the direction of arrow L and, independent of the pushrod 190 which has been already pushed up, abuts directly against the lower end of the pushbutton rod 189, as shown in dotted lines, and pushes up the pushrod 189 so that the lever 201 swings and selects the second sound track through abutment of the operative rod 192 against the abutting step 203. Thus, at least, upon completion of reproduction with respect to the first sound track, all the pushrods are pushed up and disengaged from the stop member 1 86. the cartridge folding housing (not shown) starts to move and continues to move until the next depressed pushrod engages the stop member 186.

The above description relates to a case where all the four pushrods are depressed, that is, reproduction is to be made with respect to all in four sound tracks. It is clear that reproduction may be made with respect to any predetermined sound tracks by depressing corresponding pushrods. When the number of the sound tracks of the tape held in a cartridge is to be increased or decreased, the number of the pushrods may be varied accordingly.

The arrangement of the raised slops 211 and the pin 212 is merely one means for swinging the return lever 207 due to up ward movement of the shaft 209, and any other means may be utilized for this purposes. One example is shown in FIG. l6 wherein the same numeral as that in H6. 15 used for a member of the same function. In FIG. 16 the pushrods 187, 188, 189 and 190 which move together with the cartridge receiving housing in the direction olarrow M are shown as engaging the stop member 186. The" lever portion having the abutting step which abuts against the operative rods I9], I92, 193 and 194 is omitted but the arrangement is entirely the same as that of FIG. [5. The shaft 235 of the return lever 234 rotatably passes through the supporting body 236. A lever 237 is secured to the lower end of the shaft 235, and a spring 239 is arranged between a pin 238 secured to the supporting body 236 and the return lever 234 so as to urge the return lever 234 counterclockwise. The swing of the return lever 234 due to this spring urge is prevented by abutment of the lever 237 against a pin 240 secured to the cabinet. The rotation shaft 241 of the supporting body 236 is supported by the bearings 242 and 243 mounted to the cabinet. To the right end of the rotative shaft 24] there is secured a lever 244 whose one end is provided with an air piston brake 245 and a spring 246 which are similar to those of H6. and whose the other end is provided with a spring 247 with one end [48 thereof connected to a part of the deck (not shown), When due to the tape end mark signal the deck swings away from the cartridge, the spring 247 is extended in the direction of arrow N and is energized. Due to action of the air piston brake 245, the lever 244 slowly swings in the direction of arrow 0 against the resiliency of the spring 246 so that a cam 237 withdraws in the direction of arrow P. Accordingly, the return lever 234 swings due to the resiliency of the spring 239 in the direction of arrow Q and the engaging part 234 abuts against the pushrod 190. Further swing of the lever 244. in the direction of arrow 0 causes the return lever 234 to abut against the lower end of the pushrod 190 to push up the same out of engagement from the stop member 186. The subsequent operationin the same as that described in connection with FIG. so that it is clear that reproduction may be carried out with successive chan geover operation of the desired sound tracks. The air piston brake is not absolutely necessary, but, since it is necessary to push up the pushrod after the return lever has swung in the direction of arrow and abutted against the pushrod, the air piston brake is intended to provide sufficient time for the swing of thereturn lever 234 in the direction of arrow.

While these has been made a detailed description of the present invention in conjunction with the illustrated examples, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the examples shown and described and that various modifications or alterations may be made within the scope of the appended claims.

lclaim: i,

l. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges, comprising a plurality of pushbutton rods such that each cartridge has associated therewith a number of pushrods corresponding to the number of sound tracks on the tape within the cartridge, said pushrods being movable from a normally raised position to a depressed indexing position, a stop member mounted on a cabinet for the device, said stop member being adapted to be engaged with a depressed pushrod, sound track changeover control means including an operating rod passing through said stop member and being adapted to be depressed by a depressed pushrod when the pushrod is engaged with the stop member, a swing-able deck including a magnetic head and a capstan for playing the tape stored in the cartridge in the play position when a depressed pushrod is engaged with the stop member, and pushrod return means having a return lever which is coupled to the deck for returning the depressed pushrods in succession to their normal position when the deck is swung to thereby disengage the pushrod from the stop member.

2. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim I, wherein the operating rod of said sound track changeover control means is the operating rod of a microswitch connected between a reproducing amplifier and a pickup coil, a plurality of pickup coils being included in the A magnetic head corresponding to the number of sound tracks of the tape in the cartridge, said return lever is vertically movable into engagement with a depressed pushrod to raise said depressed rod out of engagement with said stop member, and said pushrod return means comprises a lever ofwhich one end thereof is adapted to be engaged with the deck and the other end is adapted to move the return lever vertically into engagement with a depressed pushrod, and a spring normally urging said return lever downwardly to a normal position below a depressed pushrod with which the stop mcinber is engaged.

3. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of en dless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 2 wherein the plurality of pushrods associated with dach cartridge are angularly arranged with respect to the stop member such that the stop member is engaged by only one pushrod at a time.

4. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 2 wherein two pushrods are associated with each cartridge and are arranged in parallel with the stop member, one of said pushrods having a larger diameter than that of the other and being provided with an inclined portion, the return lever being adapted to be retained by said inclined portion away frdm the stop member when said return lever is raised, whereby, when both rods are depressed, the pushrod having the inclined portion is first engaged by said return lever and is returned to its normal position prior to the restoration of the pushrod having the smaller diameter to its normal position.

5. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sound track changeover control means comprises an eccentric cam for controlling the vertical movement of the magnetic head, a rotary solenoid for rotating said cam, a conductive cylinder mounted on the rotative shaft of said rotary solenoid, a plurality of pairs of brush contacts in contact with said conductive cylinder, insulating pieces arranged in offset relation to each other over the surface of the conductive c linder and corresponding to the pairs of said brush contacts, the insulating pieces being arranged such that only one such piece at a time contacts its associated pair of brush contacts, switch means having a contact which is opened at the end of the rotation of said rotary solenoid, and 1 microswitch means having said stop member operating rod as its operating rod, a power supply circuit for said rotary solenoid containing said microswitch means, said conductive 6. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim I wherein said pushrod return device comprises a rotatable lever of which one end thereof is adapted to engage the deck, the return lever having an inclined portion and being adapted to be vertically and rotatably moved, said return lever being coupled through a shaft to said lever for rotation by said lever towards and into engagement with a depressed rod to raise said rod out of engagement with said stop member, a spring normally urging said return lever to whereby the pushrod which is depressed is thus returned to its normal position by upward movement and rotation of the return lever in response to the swingable movement of the deck.

7. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus with use of a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 6 wherein said sound track changeover control means comprises switch means consisting of a plurality of contacts corresponding in number to that ol the sound tracks and being arranged on an insulating base plate, a movable contact pivoted at one end thereof to the insulating base plate and adapted to be moved into contact with each of the first mentioned contacts, and lever means provided with a plurality of abutting steps corresponding to the number of the stop member operating rods and arranged such that each abutting step is engageable with a corresponding operating rod when the stop member operating rod is depressed by a pushrod engaging the stop; member, and spring means urging said lever means toward the stop member, the stop member operating rods and said lever means being arranged such that movement of said lever means is arrested by abutment of said abutting steps against a depressed stop member operating rod whereby the stop member operating rods control the changeover of the contact of the movable contact with the first mentioned contacts; and said switch means is arranged between said plurality of magnetic head pickup coils corresponding to the endless tape sound tracks and a reproduction amplifier.

8. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 6 wherein said sound track changeover control means comprises switch means consisting of a plurality of contacts corresponding in number to that of the sound tracks and being arranged on an insulating base plate, a movable contact pivoted at one end thereof to the insulating base plate and adapted to be moved into contact with each of the first mentioned contacts, and lever means provided with a plu rality of abutting steps corresponding to the number of the stop member operating rods and arranged such that each abutting step is engageable with a corresponding operating rod when the stop member operating rod is depressed by a pushrod engaging the stop member, and spring means urging said lever means toward the stop member, the stop member operating rods sand said lever means being arranged such that movement of said lever means is arrested by abutment of said abutting steps against a depressed stop member operating rod, whereby the stop member operating rods control the changcover of contact of the movable contact with the first mentioned contacts; and said switch means is arranged in the power supply circuit for a rotary solenoid causing rotation of an eccentric cam which controls the vertical movement of the magnetic head.

9. A sound track changeover device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sound track changeover means comprises a slide lever mounted on said deck for sliding movement in a lateral direction, the operating rods of said stop member being arranged such that the lateral movement of the slide lever is arrested by said stop member operating rod when the stop member operating rod is moved to its depressed position when a depressed pushrod engages the stop member, a rack formed on a portion of the slide lever, a pinion engaging said rack, a shaft mounted on said pinion for rotation therewith, an eccentric cam mounted on said shaft, a leaf spring engaging said cam and having said magnetic head mounted thereon, whereby sliding movement of said slide lever resultsin vertical movement of the magnetic head to effect changeover of the sound track. 

1. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges, comprising a plurality of pushbutton rods such that each cartridge has associated therewith a number of pushrods corresponding to the number of sound tracks on the tape within the cartridge, said pushrods being movable from a normally raised position to a depressed indexing position, a stop member mounted on a cabinet for the device, said stop member being adapted to be engaged with a depressed pushrod, sound track changeover control means including an operating rod passing through said stop member and being adapted to be depressed by a depressed pushrod when the pushrod is engaged with the stop member, a swingable deck including a magnetic head and a capstan for playing the tape stored in the cartridge in the play position when a depressed pushrod is engaged with the stop member, and pushrod return means having a return lever which is coupled to the deck for returning the depressed pushrods in succession to their normal position when the deck is swung to thereby disengage the pushrod from the stop member.
 2. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 1, wherein the operating rod of said sound track changeover control means is the operating rod of a microswitch connected between a reproducing amplifier and a pickup coil, a plurality of pickup coils being included in the magnetic head corresponding to the number of sound tracks of the tape in the cartridge, said return lever is vertically movable into engagement with a depressed pushrod to raise said depressed rod out of engagement with said stop member, and said pushrod return means comprises a lever of which one end thereof is adapted to be engaged with the deck and the other end is adapted to move the return lever vertically into engagement with a depressed pushrod, and a spring normally urging said return lever downwardly to a normal position below a depressed pushrod with which the stop member is engaged.
 3. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 2 wherein the plurality of pushrods associated with each cartridge are angularly arranged with respect to the stop member such that the stop member is engaged by only one pushrod at a time.
 4. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 2 wherein two pushrods are associated with each cartridge and are arranged in parallel with the stop member, one of said pushrods having a larger diameter than that of the other and being provided with an inclined portion, the return lever being adapted to be retained by said inclined portion away from the stop member when said return lever is raised, whereby, when both rods are depressed, the pushrod having the inclined portion is first engaged by said return lever and is returned to its normal position prior to the restoration of the pushrod having the smaller diameter to its normal position.
 5. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 2 wherein said sound track changeover control means comprises an eccentric cam for controlling the vertical movement of the magnetic head, a rotary solenoid for rotating said cam, a conductive cylinder mounted on the rotative shaft of said rotary solenoid, a plurality of pairs of brush contacts in contact with said conductive cylinder, insulating pieces arranged in offset relation to each other over the surface of the conductive cylinder and corresponding to the pairs of said brush coNtacts, the insulating pieces being arranged such that only one such piece at a time contacts its associated pair of brush contacts, switch means having a contact which is opened at the end of the rotation of said rotary solenoid, and microswitch means having said stop member operating rod as its operating rod, a power supply circuit for said rotary solenoid containing said microswitch means, said conductive cylinder, said brush contacts and said switch means; whereby current supply to the rotary solenoid is interrupted when an insulating piece contacts its associated pair of brush contacts to control the position of the magnetic head.
 6. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 1 wherein said pushrod return device comprises a rotatable lever of which one end thereof is adapted to engage the deck, the return lever having an inclined portion and being adapted to be vertically and rotatably moved, said return lever being coupled through a shaft to said lever for rotation by said lever towards and into engagement with a depressed rod to raise said rod out of engagement with said stop member, a spring normally urging said return lever to rotate around said shaft, said return lever having an inclined portion, a pin arranged to engage the inclined portion of the return lever for controlling rotation of the return lever, and said return lever having a portion thereof engageable with a depressed pushrod which is engaged with the stop member, whereby the pushrod which is depressed is thus returned to its normal position by upward movement and rotation of the return lever in response to the swingable movement of the deck.
 7. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus with use of a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 6 wherein said sound track changeover control means comprises switch means consisting of a plurality of contacts corresponding in number to that of the sound tracks and being arranged on an insulating base plate, a movable contact pivoted at one end thereof to the insulating base plate and adapted to be moved into contact with each of the first mentioned contacts, and lever means provided with a plurality of abutting steps corresponding to the number of the stop member operating rods and arranged such that each abutting step is engageable with a corresponding operating rod when the stop member operating rod is depressed by a pushrod engaging the stop member, and spring means urging said lever means toward the stop member, the stop member operating rods and said lever means being arranged such that movement of said lever means is arrested by abutment of said abutting steps against a depressed stop member operating rod whereby the stop member operating rods control the changeover of the contact of the movable contact with the first mentioned contacts; and said switch means is arranged between said plurality of magnetic head pickup coils corresponding to the endless tape sound tracks and a reproduction amplifier.
 8. A sound track changeover device for an automatic playing apparatus for use with a plurality of endless tape cartridges as claimed in claim 6 wherein said sound track changeover control means comprises switch means consisting of a plurality of contacts corresponding in number to that of the sound tracks and being arranged on an insulating base plate, a movable contact pivoted at one end thereof to the insulating base plate and adapted to be moved into contact with each of the first mentioned contacts, and lever means provided with a plurality of abutting steps corresponding to the number of the stop member operating rods and arranged such that each abutting step is engageable with a corresponding operating rod when the stop member operating rod is depressed by a pushrod engaging the stop member, and spring means urging said lever means toward the stop member, the stop member operating rods sand said lever means beinG arranged such that movement of said lever means is arrested by abutment of said abutting steps against a depressed stop member operating rod, whereby the stop member operating rods control the changeover of contact of the movable contact with the first mentioned contacts; and said switch means is arranged in the power supply circuit for a rotary solenoid causing rotation of an eccentric cam which controls the vertical movement of the magnetic head.
 9. A sound track changeover device as claimed in claim 6, wherein said sound track changeover means comprises a slide lever mounted on said deck for sliding movement in a lateral direction, the operating rods of said stop member being arranged such that the lateral movement of the slide lever is arrested by said stop member operating rod when the stop member operating rod is moved to its depressed position when a depressed pushrod engages the stop member, a rack formed on a portion of the slide lever, a pinion engaging said rack, a shaft mounted on said pinion for rotation therewith, an eccentric cam mounted on said shaft, a leaf spring engaging said cam and having said magnetic head mounted thereon, whereby sliding movement of said slide lever results in vertical movement of the magnetic head to effect changeover of the sound track. 